We'll see about Sinclair. Everybody thought it would kill his career to move to Citeh. He was already deemed not good enough for Chelsea. He should have stayed at Swansea and let his career develop.

Coentrao has been rumored to be part of the deal for awhile, different people say different things though. But the feeling is Coentrao is probably going to Sp*rs even if it's part of a separate deal. I've heard Bale #11 shirts are already on sale in the Real Marid club shop.

Apparently, Willian was in the Tottenham offices ready to sign a deal and Chelsea made a last second bid to Anzi.

What I don't get is why would the Spurs be hesitating on this deal? Yes, they lose their star man, but they get a massive amount of money. They can infuse that in their academy big-time, buy a couple bigger names during this transfer, and anything else they need to do. They're still a top-8 team, even without Bale (likely top 6, maybe even top 4 depending on how Arsenal play).

Bale's a big name, to be sure, but he's not a Messi or Ronaldo (IMO)... he's a great player, but there are a lot of great players.

Avyran wrote:What I don't get is why would the Spurs be hesitating on this deal? Yes, they lose their star man, but they get a massive amount of money. They can infuse that in their academy big-time, buy a couple bigger names during this transfer, and anything else they need to do. They're still a top-8 team, even without Bale (likely top 6, maybe even top 4 depending on how Arsenal play).

Bale's a big name, to be sure, but he's not a Messi or Ronaldo (IMO)... he's a great player, but there are a lot of great players.

Well supposedly they were close to brining in Willian and Lamela so they were probably waiting for those deals to be wrapped up before selling Bale. Now Willian looks to be going to Chelsea.

What are your thoughts on Gladbach. They have looked pretty useful so far. I thought they were much better than a 3-1 loss against Bayern would indicate and looked quality during the bits I saw against Hannover. I've been pretty impressed by Kramer and Kruse.

I don't really have anything enlightening to say about Gladbach other then they are a solid team with a good coach. I like Kruse and Herrmann, I'm not sure about Xhaka and I don't entirely trust their defense, so I guess I see them finishing midtableish.

Gaucho wrote:I don't really have anything enlightening to say about Gladbach other then they are a solid team with a good coach. I like Kruse and Herrmann, I'm not sure about Xhaka and I don't entirely trust their defense, so I guess I see them finishing midtableish.

I was basing my opinion on one and a half games, so I don't really know either. Most teams probably get up to play Bayern in fairness.

I find it almost impossible to dislike Dortmund. On twitter people are saying that Robben and Ribery are both play acting and diving.

That's an impressively awful dive... add me to the list of people that really dislike Robben (and Ribery). I wish it were easier to watch the Bundesliga, though with the EPL being on NBC's sports, I can't complain (was able to lower my cable bill because of that, haha). Guess that's what online streaming is for...

Meanwhile, I've been surprised at Southampton v. Sunderland. It's been enjoyable to watch, with decent chances and good flow. Sunderland looks like a quality mid-tier team, and Altidore looks like he belongs in the EPL (though it seems like he's still trying to figure out what he can & can't get away with). Southampton, meanwhile, still look like that team that could spring an upset at any time, but will likely be closer to the bottom.

Avyran wrote:That's an impressively awful dive... add me to the list of people that really dislike Robben (and Ribery). I wish it were easier to watch the Bundesliga, though with the EPL being on NBC's sports, I can't complain (was able to lower my cable bill because of that, haha). Guess that's what online streaming is for...

Meanwhile, I've been surprised at Southampton v. Sunderland. It's been enjoyable to watch, with decent chances and good flow. Sunderland looks like a quality mid-tier team, and Altidore looks like he belongs in the EPL (though it seems like he's still trying to figure out what he can & can't get away with). Southampton, meanwhile, still look like that team that could spring an upset at any time, but will likely be closer to the bottom.

Southampton are pretty likeable, I'm not sure why. They have spent a fair amount of money on guys like Osvaldo and Wanyama. Last year they brought in Gaston Ramirez for decent money. I tend to think Southampton will have a pretty good season and maybe have a good cup run. They are trying to work in a number of new players so they could suffer second season syndrome but I think they'll finish comfortably in mid-table.